Effect of mycotoxin (T-2 toxin) on catecholamine and Na+, K+-ATPase levels in rat epididymis

The effect of mycotoxin (T-2 toxin) on catecholamines and Na+, K+-ATPase activities in rat epididymis has been evaluated. Dopamine and norepinephrine levels were significantly elevated in the caput and corpus regions whereas their levels remained unchanged in the caudal part of the epididymis. Na+, K+-ATPase activity was significantly increased in all the three regions of rat epididymis as a result of the toxin treatment. These changes may suggest an adverse effect on epididymal functions in rats.     

Topographic localisation of insulinogenic and insulinoprival areas in the hypothalamus

Summary Electrical stimulation of hypothalamic areas through stereotaxically implanted electrodes were carried out in conscious male rhesus monkeys. There was a significant increase in immunoreactive insulin (IRI) following lateral hypothalamus (LHA) stimulation. An opposite response was obtained from ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH). Thus, insulinogenic and insulinoprival responses were obtained from feeding and satiety, suggesting a significant role of insulin in the regulation of food intake.     

A new neurosecretory system in fish,located in the gill region

Summary A peculiar neurosecretory system is reported in 6 teleost species;Clarias batrachus, Heteropneustes fossilis, Mystus seenghala, Ompak pabda, Glassogobius giuris andNotopterus notopterus. It is located in the gill region close to the pseudobranch or to the carotid labyrinth. The neurosecretory cells have been identified using stains specific for neurosecretion. The results are discussed in the light of the association of the neurosecretory system with the pseudobranch or the carotid labyrinth, and the airbreathing habit of these fishes.We are grateful to Prof. U.S. Srivastava for providing laboratory facilities and for encouragement. The work was financially supported by U.G.C. Research Project grant awarded to C.B.L.S., which is thankfully acknowledged. Thanks are due to M. Seal and Amarlata for technical help rendered.     

Intravenous thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH) enhances the excitatory actions of acetylcholine (ACh) on rat cortical neurons

Summary I. v. administered TRH (1.25-10 mg/kg) enhanced the excitatory actions of iontophoretically applied ACh on spontaneously active cerebral cortical neurons of pentobarbital-anaesthetized rats. These observations are consistent with the hypothesis of a cholinergic-link in the anti-anaesthetic actions of exogenously administered TRH.     

Techniques of removing saponins from Mahua (Bassia longifolia) seed cake and its suitability as animal feed

Summary A new process of removing saponins from Mahua seed cake, a commonly available tree of genusBassia, has been developed. The processed cake when added to the rations of calves to the extent of 50% digestible crude protein replacement, had no adverse effect on growth rate of cross-bred dairy calves.     

Influence ofCurvularia infection of the free and bound amino acid composition of orange (Citrus aurantium L.) fruits

Zusammenfassung Der Befall von reifen Orangen (Citrus aurantium) durch den pathogenen PilzCurvularia lunata bewirkt beträchtliche Veränderungen in der Anzahl und Menge der freien und gebundenen Aminosäuren im Gewebe.     

W chromosome in the Indian water snake (checkered keel back)Natrix piscator (colubridae)

Zusammenfassung Die diploide Chromosomenzahl beider Geschlechter beträgt 40: 10 Macrochromosomen und 30 Microchromosomen. Die GeschlechtschromosomenZZ () undZW () sind cytologisch erkennbar.     

Amylase and polyphenol oxidase production by germinating conidia ofColletotrichum falcatum Went

Zusammenfassung Keimende Konidien vonColletotrichum falcatum bilden Amylase und Polyphenoloxydase. Die Enzymproduktion ist bei einem «Lichtstamm» höher als bei einem «Dunkelstamm».